Is Pithypike still the gold standard? Forum

[Br3v]

I have a friend about to take the LSAT. I used Pithypike a few years back, but has the test changed at all in a way that requires a new go to guide?

What are the kids using these days?

[Dr.Zer0]

I would suggest to your friend to also look into Noodley's guide.

[law_dawg18]

I posted a similar question on lawschooli.com earlier today, haven't gotten a response yet but worth keeping an eye on. I think it's really relevant for those self-studying

My question was how often does the test change/what does this mean for buying self-study books (my LG and LR bibles are 2013, Manhattan RC is from 2012):

EDIT: here's the answer Evan from Lawschooli had to say-

Those books are all recent enough that you don't have to be concerned. That Logic Games Bible and Logical Reasoning Bible will remain current for some years. The reading comprehension section changes very, very slowly, so that Manhattan book will be current as well. As a general matter, the test changes pretty slowly. Major changes, like the addition of the comparative passage to RC back in 2007, are very rare. Typically an LSAT prep book should be useful for 5 or more years before it might start to lose it's edge. In fact, often the reason to get a new book is not so much that the test has changed, but that the prep books themselves get a lot better over the years. The better companies sink a ton of time and effort into improving their stuff. The new Logic Games Bible for example, has done a much better job emphasizing the techniques that are truly critical to success. They also added a ton of practice material, so it's worth the minor cost difference. It should be noted that the games section changes a little faster than the other sections. This is because the makers of the LSAT are in a cat and mouse game of sorts with test takers. As they come out with tougher games, people then figure out the right techniques and get better at them, so they have to go back and make them slightly harder. Lately, this has been done mostly by having games that require quick elimination work (i.e. a mini-diagram won't lead you straight to the answer). For that reason, we definitely recommend anyone reading this get the most current Logic Games book they can, either the 2013 Logic Games Bible or the Blueprint for Logic Games. Logical reasoning changes more slowly. Books from 5 years ago even older can still give you the skills you need to get by. Same with reading comprehension. Any book from after the addition of the comparative passage should be fine. Even if your book doesn't cover that, you will be okay as long as you make sure to practice all the most recent preptests. On that, do not try to save money by skipping the most recent preptests. I know it's tempting because they are more expensive than The Actual Ofiicial Preptest compilations. However, new tests just feel different than older ones. Even though the techniques you apply to them are generally the same, you MUST practice applying them to the newer tests, otherwise the test is going feel strange to you when you go to take it on test day. LSAT preptest explanations of course, do not lose applicability and older explanations should be a fine learning tool.

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[Clyde Frog]

Yeah times have changed. Back in the day we didn't have all these fancy birth control methods, we just pulled out.

[Pneumonia]

Pithypike is still gold, maybe barring books. PS is and always will be solid, but Blueprint and Manhattan LG are better. I'd go PS for LR and Blueprint for LG.

[Mauve.Dino]

Yeah times have changed. Back in the day we didn't have all these fancy birth control methods, we just pulled out.

LOL--wut.